The news has, understandably, been well received by followers of the Reds.

Amid the distracting saga that has become discussions regarding Raheem Sterling’s future, it is refreshing to see a player of considerable promise on Merseyside put any question marks over his own stay at Anfield to one side.

Having been part of the Liverpool set-up since 2011 – snapped up initially as a 16-year-old from Wycombe Wanderers – Ibe has enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2015.

Returning from a loan spell at Championship side Derby County in January, with a release clause activated, Brendan Rodgers had no hesitation in throwing the 19-year-old in at the deep end.

He made his Premier League bow in a derby date with Everton on February 7, and he has not looked back.

The versatile winger, who has been used as a wing-back at times, is still waiting on his first Liverpool goal, but you get the feeling that he will break that duck in the not too distant future.

It could be that he is asked to fill the void created by a possible departure for Sterling, but whatever is required of him, the talented youngsters is ready to answer the call and will not be resting on his laurels after proving himself to be of the required standard at one of English football’s most prestigious clubs.

Ibe recently met up with Vauxhall Football TV to discuss a range of topics, including his toughest opponent and his sporting idols growing up.

He also took the time to outline his plans for the future, saying: “I need to just continue playing now, get minutes and goals from the position that I play in. Hopefully we can get back in the Champions League, my aim will be to try and win a Champions League one day.”

International recognition would also be welcomed at some stage, as he added: “First of all I need to try and get into the U21 squad and then into the senior team and try to win some cups.”

All of that is still to come, though, and Liverpool supporters will be delighted to hear, on the day that he has nailed his colours to their mast, that he still considers the moment he first linked up with the club to be the highlight of his career to date.

Ibe said when pressed on the matter: “Probably signing here at 16. It was quite a long day, I had to get up at 6 o’clock for scans etc, but that was probably my best day.”

Liverpool will be hoping that there are many more memorable occasions to come, with Rodgers having shown that he is prepared to put his faith in potential stars of the future.

Ibe has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and it would come as a surprise to no-one if he does indeed go on to become a regular performer for his club and an established part of the senior England squad.

Chris Burton

Chris is a freelance journalist with a passion for all major sports. He has spent much of his career to date focusing on the wonderful world of football, across all levels. He has also had the pleasure of interviewing a diverse mix of sportsmen and women – including Gareth Bale, Frank Lampard, Xabi Alonso, Marcel Desailly, Roy Hodgson, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny Wilkinson, Nicola Adams and Ed Clancy.